July 22, 1960 - April 4, 2026
Michael John Crawford Sr., of Dexter, MI, known to most as Mike or “Big Mike,” passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Mike was born on July 22, 1960, in Pontiac, Michigan to Donald Sr. and Mary Crawford. He called many places home while he was growing up, from Milford to Rudyard, Rudyard to Arkansas and Arkansas to Walled Lake. He graduated from Walled Lake Western High School in 1979, then attended Lawrence Tech after high school.
Mike was a longtime employee of the University of Michigan, where he worked as a Bricklayer and Journeyman Mason, and was a proud member of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union #14 and #2. He took tremendous pride in his craft and found great joy in pointing out the many homes, buildings, and areas of the University he helped build, repair, or restore. His work stands as a lasting testament to his dedication and skill.
He also belonged to the Moslem Shrine and was a member of the Americans, the Jesters, the Master Masons of Phoenix Lodge #13, the Crabs, the Hungry Five, and El Haij Units. He enjoyed participating in all shrine events and raising money for the Shrine Hospitals and Children.
Mike is survived by his wife, Jane E. Crawford, whom he married in 1984; his three children, Michael Crawford Jr., Mitchell (Ashley) Crawford, and Karley (Adam) Weiler; and his five cherished grandchildren: Harvey (7) and Mackenzie (5), children of Mitchell; and Adam Jr. (7), Peyton (4), and Tate (1), children of Karley. He is also survived by his siblings: Donald Jr., Edward (Jessica), Betty Ann (Robert Sr.) Hartwell, Carolynn (Robert) Chadwick, Rick, and Mary (Dave) Myers; his mother-in-law, Sophia Jacobs; sister-in-law, Jennifer (Christopher) Crawford; brother-in-law, and Roger Ewald; and he was loved by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mary Crawford; sister, Faith Ewald; father-in-laws, Gerald Pritchard and Harvey Jacobs; and a sister-in-law, Sherry Pritchard.
Mike had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time in nature. He also was a devoted wrestling and baseball coach to his children and many other children within the Dexter Community in their early years. He will be remembered for his hard working spirit, his pride in his work, his love for coaching the sports that he loved, and the love he had for his family.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children-Chicago.
